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Friday 22 November 2013

State of mind


Recently, a gentleman in our tango community shared a most insightful observation. Dancing good tango begins with your state of mind. Probably, this will come as no surprise. But how often do we enter the dance-floor of the milonga mentally unprepared?

At a milonga, do you
  • dance most tandas, regardless of the music, OR dance only when the music really summons you?
  • dance with almost anyone, OR accept invitations (via cabeceo or otherwise) only from people you want to dance with?
  • chat while dancing, OR reserve the conversation for when the music has stopped?
  • simply assume that your partner will understand you, OR focus on communicating very clearly?
  • if you're in the male role, lead tentatively, OR express your clear intention each and every step of the way?
  • if you're in the female role, try to predict what your partner will lead next, OR allow yourself to be relaxed, receptive and responsive?
  • try to impress onlookers with tricky moves, OR dedicate yourself to dancing just for your partner?
There are no prizes for guessing the correct answers! In my opinion, dancing real tango requires focus and mindfulness.

And to close, here's a challenge from Ricardo Vidort, a late, great milonguero quoted in Tango and Chaos in BsAsWhen you dance tango, you must give everything. If you can't do that, don't dance.
PP

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